Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Mary Milton'
Mary Milton Japanese Snowball Tree
- Family
- Adoxaceae
- Height
- 6 to 8 feet
- Width
- 6 to 8 feet
- Flower color
- Soft pink
- Foliage color
- Dark green, with a slight reddish tint in spring and fall
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; occasional pruning to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged growth
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 5 to 8
- Wildlife
- Flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies; berries attract birds
About this plant
Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Mary Milton' is a deciduous shrub prized for its layered blooms and dynamic foliage. The new leaves emerge with a rich bronze hue, transitioning to green as they mature, creating a changing tapestry of color throughout the growing season. In late spring to early summer, it showcases clusters of double, pale pink flowers that fade to white, elegantly contrasting with the fresh burgundy tones of the foliage.
This cultivar, developed for its unique color interplay and tiered structure, originates from East Asia. Its blend of soft blossom hues and vibrant leaf tones makes it an excellent choice for mixed borders or as a standout specimen, lending a refined and colorful presence to gardens and landscapes.
Companion plants
Barberry · Butterfly bush · Feverfew · False sunflower · Chives · Snow-in-summer
Design tip
Feature ‘Mary Milton’ where its spring color progression can unfold as a complete display. Bronze new foliage provides a rich backdrop for pale pink flowers, then gradually shifts toward green as the blossoms fade, giving the shrub a naturally evolving composition.
